Taser International Inc., the world’s largest stun-gun manufacturer, allegedly made false statements to the Securities and Exchange Commission concerning an agreement with two of the nation’s largest newspapers, according to the newspapers’ representatives and documents obtained by the Center for Investigative Reporting.

Robert and Betty Lou Heston of Salinas were used to violent outbursts from their 40-year-old son. Robert C. Heston had assaulted both of his parents from time to time, once shoving his father to the ground, and in another incident hitting his mother in the face with such force she developed a black eye. His parents attributed the behavior to his addiction to methamphetamines.

Four members of the Falun Gong filed this complaint in federal court against Bo Xilai, China’s former minister of commerce. They alleged that Bo—while serving as a provincial governor from 2001 to 2004—oversaw torture and executions at forced labor camps. The case was filed under the Torture Victim Protection Act and the Alien Tort Statute.